Bukayo Saka also went off late against Spurs, while Leandro Trossard was unable to deputise for the injured Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium due to his own issue.
With Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber also currently on the sidelines, Arsenal suddenly find themselves in a worrying situation so early in the season that could well hinder their chances of domestic and European success under Mikel Arteta this term.
Here is your latest Arsenal injury news and potential return dates.
Declan Rice
The record summer signing has instantly become an indispensable figure to Arsenal, but was replaced by Jorginho at half-time against Spurs.
Manager Arteta revealed after the game that Rice had been complaining of a back problem during the first half of the derby and was unable to carry on after an assessment at the interval.
It was also reported earlier this month that the England midfielder continues to manage a calf issue that has been bothering him since pre-season.
“He had some discomfort in his back,” Arteta said on Sunday. “He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable and when we assessed him at half-time he could not continue, so we had to change him."
Huge concern: Arsenal star Declan Rice was withdrawn at half-time against Tottenham
/ REUTERS
When asked if Rice could be facing a while on the sidelines, he added: “Hopefully not. We have to assess him. It's strange when a player like him asks to come off because he's uncomfortable. Hopefully not, but let's see.”
A potential return date for Rice is unclear until Arsenal establish the exact severity of his injury, but it seems extremely unlikely that he will play any part away at London rivals Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night.The Gunners travel to Bournemouth after that before a trip to Lens in the Champions League, with a huge showdown with Manchester City to come on October 8. Arsenal will be praying that he returns in time for that latter clash.
Potential return date: October 2023
Bukayo Saka
Saka was on fantastic form against Tottenham, with his first-half shot forcing an own goal from Cristian Romero before he punished the Argentine’s handball with a well-taken penalty after the interval.
The England winger gave Spurs full-back Destiny Udogie a tough time all afternoon, but was replaced by Emile Smith Rowe deep into second-half stoppage time at the Emirates having been limping and looking uncomfortable.
There have been reports that Saka is still struggling with an Achilles issue sustained towards the end of last season, but he has been able to play through it so far.
A rest may well be in order against Brentford, but it doesn’t seem likely at this stage that he will miss any time beyond that.
Potential return date: Bournemouth (A) on September 30
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli was forced off early with a hamstring injury after seeing a goal disallowed during last weekend’s 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.
The Brazilian then missed Arsenal’s crushing 4-0 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League but was subsequently given a chance of being fit for Spurs.
“With Gabi we are still assessing him, so let’s see if he can make the game or not,” Arteta said of Martinelli on Friday.
Return looming? Gabriel Martinelli was forced off with hamstring trouble away at Everton
/ AP
As it was, the 22-year-old was absent from the matchday squad altogether again, though the fact that he was not totally ruled out in the build-up would suggest that the issue is not too serious and that a return could beckon soon.
It would seem foolish to risk a half-fit Martinelli in the Carabao Cup if indeed he does shake off the problem by then, so perhaps the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday might see his comeback in some capacity.
0 Comments